July 4, 2016 Elma --> Shelton, WA - 28 miles

Happy 4th of July!

Can't say I was in much of a holiday spirit as I started the day. Feeling a little blue and a lack of motivation. Started contemplating ditching the ride and heading for either Seattle or Portland to catch a flight home. Stayed in this emotional place for an hour or so, constantly reminding myself of the blog entry about how I would want to choose to respond to bad circumstances, and kicking myself because I wasn't doing such a good job. Then, several things happened to lift me out of the dumps and redirect my thoughts (outlook). At the end of the day, I felt re-energized and now have a revised plan of action. 

First, I started receiving emails, texts, and phone calls from family, friends and loved ones, all expressing their love, concern and prayers for me and Randy. Also, pointedly expressing support for my continuing the journey in whatever revised form it might take. I was reminded and became acutely aware that I am not alone - you are riding with me. I was especially touched by a gift from my step-sister Sandra. Remembering that sunflowers are my favorite, she texted a picture she colored from a coloring book she had given her Mom for Christmas. She said she was praying for me, and wished me a blessed day. One of the blessings to have come out of my Dad's recent passing was the time I got to spend getting to know Sandra better. Sandra has a gentle, kind and loving spirit, and walks the walk.

Another turning point was the ride itself today. For 3 hours, I enjoyed beautiful weather on a two lane country road bordered by more of those gorgeous wildflowers. The road was relatively flat the entire ride until I entered Shelton. More like limited rolling hills that engendered a free-spirited sort of feeling. I noted to myself that this was why I love biking.

I checked in to the Super 8 in Shelton, and was delighted with my room. Very spacious, clean and comfortable. One of the most reasonably priced motels to date. And the picture over the bed was an extra added bonus. I took it as a sign and decided that I would stay here tomorrow and take that full rest day to give my body a break and spend some serious time with the maps planning the next phase. 

As I was deep in the throes of mapping the next phase - to Port Townsend, ferry to Victoria and touring Vancouver Island - I received a call from my friend Dawne in Denver, who identified herself as "Maple Leaf Travel Agency". (Dawne is Canadien - originally from Calgary). She had read about the most recent twist and was calling to encourage me to continue on to Canada, where she would connect me with her sister Pam who lives just outside Vancouver. To make a long story short, I spoke with Pam, who was very helpful with my planning efforts. The plan is to ferry over to Vancouver after spending a few days in Victoria and on Vancouver Island, and hook up with Pam and Karen. As Dawne noted, "God sometimes works in mysterious ways." Seems to do that regularly on these bike tours.

The upshot of all this is that I ended up feeling special and having a wonderful day - thanks to all of you. Ended the day with a phone call to Randy to update him on my new plans and see how he was doing in Portland. He has been preparing his bike to ship home and waits on his flight. It was good to hear his voice.

Looking forward to what adventures the next few days bring...